Osun State Police boss, CP Ibrahim Gotan
The police in a crackdown on criminals in Osun State, have arrested many suspected cultists, armed robbers, and electricity infrastructure vandals
Also dismantled in the operation were several violent gangs operating across the state.
The state’s new Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, spearheaded the operation meant to make Osun inhabitable and uncomfortable for criminals.
Gotan, who briefed reporters at the command headquarters in Osogbo, on the recent achievement,said the successes recorded marked a significant milestone in the Command’s renewed push to restore law and order and improve public safety.
He said the operation commenced on June 21, 2025, when operatives of the Command’s Swift Action Squad (SAS) intercepted two men riding motorcycles along the Ile-Ife/Ibadan Expressway in Osu.
Two suspects, aged 25, and 26, were caught with large bags filled with stolen electricity cables believed to be property of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
He said no fewer than seven motorcycles—three registered and four unregistered were recovered
“Two industrial saw blades, allegedly used to cut through the power cables. The suspects, who claimed to be scrap dealers from Modakeke, are now in custody as investigations continue.
“Just days later, on June 24, a dramatic bust occurred along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road. Acting on credible intelligence, the Command’s Surveillance Squad intercepted a suspicious Toyota Camry bearing the plate number “PRESIDENCY NANS 27ZD.”
Inside the vehicle were four young men aged between 22 and 25, who claimed to be students.
Gotan said, “A thorough search of the vehicle revealed a Beretta pistol, two empty magazines, a cutlass, and criminal charms, all carefully concealed in a box. Police say the suspects are linked to a series of robberies and cult-related attacks in Ilesa and Osu.”
In another major breakthrough, he said detectives from the Anti-Cultism Squad made arrests in the June 1 murder of Awoniyi Kazeem (25) during the Osogbo Masquerade Festival.
The victim was attacked by suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity.
Gotan disclosed that after some weeks of investigation, police arrested two key suspects, both aged 25.
Items recovered from the suspects were three Beretta pistols and two unregistered Qlink motorcycles. The alleged gang leader remains at large, and efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
“On June 25, police responded swiftly to a distress call from the Iledande area of Osogbo, where hoodlums had broken into a residence. One suspect, Ibrahim Rafiu (21), was arrested while attempting to flee.
Recovered at the scene was a Bazuki motorcycle previously reported stolen from Evangelism Baptist Church in Ejigbo. Investigators confirmed the motorcycle had been taken from the residence of Pastor Okewande Oluwatobi on June 16, a case already documented at the Ejigbo Police Station.
Commending his officers, CP Ibrahim Gotan praised the professionalism, commitment, and courage of all the squads involved in the operations.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals in Osun State,” he declared. “We are committed to protecting lives and property. Together, with the support of the people, we can secure our communities.”
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